Spring Break
Incoming director brings passion to biomedical sciences
Crouch, a former A&M student, became chief of the program after researching genetics, cancer
By: Laura Swift
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: News
As an undergraduate, Crouch was not initially interested in studying biomedical sciences.
"I looked at geophysics and astronomy, and a few other places before choosing biomedical sciences," Crouch said. "It was a tossup between biomedical sciences and biology.
"My grandfather knew the director of biomedical sciences at that time, so the college was like a safety net, and Dr. Alvin Prize, the director at the time was so welcoming."
Crouch has continued the tradition of welcoming students into the program through her interaction with them.
During the summers, Crouch helps organize a vet enrichment camp for high school students to show them what vet school is like at A&M.
In addition to the camp, Crouch is involved with other programs that she said she hopes will bring in good students to the biomedical sciences program.
"We have something called a two plus two agreement with 11 junior colleges that helps students transfer into the BIMS program," Crouch said. "As director, I want to continue that program.
"We also have a strong study abroad program in Germany, and have students involved in the Academy of Public Leaders at the Bush school. I want to expand on these programs."
Crouch encourages students to be well-rounded and make sure to retain personal interaction with others.
Crouch said that for students who are thinking about pursuing a major, the most important aspect is to be happy. "Some students are afraid to change their majors if they are unhappy with it, but it is important to study within one's gifts," she said.
Crouch has pursued happiness in her career, which has worked out well in other areas of her life.
"I didn't think I would like living in College Station after graduating, but it grows on you," Crouch said. "The whole town has Aggie Spirit, and I like the pace of the college town. It has a good rhythm."
Crouch has three daughters and said she is pleased with the school system in College Station.
"There are good sports events and things around town to do," Crouch said. "It's a nice place to raise a family."
Being an Aggie runs in the family for Crouch, who had a grandfather and uncle both graduate with veterinary medicine degrees, along with a sister and cousin who have graduated.
"I looked at geophysics and astronomy, and a few other places before choosing biomedical sciences," Crouch said. "It was a tossup between biomedical sciences and biology.
"My grandfather knew the director of biomedical sciences at that time, so the college was like a safety net, and Dr. Alvin Prize, the director at the time was so welcoming."
Crouch has continued the tradition of welcoming students into the program through her interaction with them.
During the summers, Crouch helps organize a vet enrichment camp for high school students to show them what vet school is like at A&M.
In addition to the camp, Crouch is involved with other programs that she said she hopes will bring in good students to the biomedical sciences program.
"We have something called a two plus two agreement with 11 junior colleges that helps students transfer into the BIMS program," Crouch said. "As director, I want to continue that program.
"We also have a strong study abroad program in Germany, and have students involved in the Academy of Public Leaders at the Bush school. I want to expand on these programs."
Crouch encourages students to be well-rounded and make sure to retain personal interaction with others.
Crouch said that for students who are thinking about pursuing a major, the most important aspect is to be happy. "Some students are afraid to change their majors if they are unhappy with it, but it is important to study within one's gifts," she said.
Crouch has pursued happiness in her career, which has worked out well in other areas of her life.
"I didn't think I would like living in College Station after graduating, but it grows on you," Crouch said. "The whole town has Aggie Spirit, and I like the pace of the college town. It has a good rhythm."
Crouch has three daughters and said she is pleased with the school system in College Station.
"There are good sports events and things around town to do," Crouch said. "It's a nice place to raise a family."
Being an Aggie runs in the family for Crouch, who had a grandfather and uncle both graduate with veterinary medicine degrees, along with a sister and cousin who have graduated.
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